(City of Billings Press Release)
BILLINGS – The City wants to help homeowners tackle a noxious weed that can be found in yards across Billings.
Funded through a $25,000 grant from the Montana Department of Agriculture, the City of Billings contracted “buckthorn slayers” to take appointments and clear properties of the invasive plant.
Buckthorn slayers are removal experts, and their strategy depends on factors like the plant’s size, its location, accessibility, weather conditions, and soil type. Fall is the ideal season to eradicate and identify the problem plants because their leaves remain green while most other leaves have changed color or dropped.
After the buckthorn is removed, the contractor will clear away all the cut brush and transport it to a City-owned site where it will be piled and chipped.
The cleared area will be seeded with grass to help restore the landscape.
There’s also an option for reimbursement if homeowners invest in replacement shrubs. …